F29 Fault Code on a Valliant Boiler: Meaning & How to Fix

If your boiler isn’t working and it is displaying an F29 code it can be very frustrating as you won’t have any central heating or hot water until it’s fixed!

The Meaning and Causes of an F29 Fault Code

The F29 fault code is one of the more common fault codes on a Valliant Ecotec boiler and it basically signals that there is an issue with the boiler.

It could be as a result of one of the following factors:

• Gas supply issues
• Flame detection problems
• Ventilation problems
• Ignition issues
• Pressure problems
• Electrical faults
• Temperature sensor issues
• Blocked condensate pipe

You may be tempted to start pressing various buttons and turning knobs but it’s really not a good idea to start looking into the problem yourself. This type of error is serious and means your boiler will probably require attention from a heating engineer.

In this article we’ll take you through the kind of errors an F29 fault code can signify.

Low Gas Pressure

When the pressure is low it prevents gas getting the boiler. This is usually due to a faulty gas valve, such as a leak. It will require a Gas Safety engineer to diagnose the problem and either fix or replace the valve on your Valliant boiler.

Gas Leak

It may be that there is a leak in the gas system of the boiler. If this is the case then its repair should definitely be left to an expert ie one of the many expert Gas Safe engineers available in the UK.

Clogged Burner

If the problem is down to a blockage in the boiler burner then, again, whatever is causing the difficulty can be removed by a Gas Safe engineer. It may be that the burner needs replacing. Alternatively, regular servicing should help prevent future clogging problems. Or it may be that you need a new burner.

Blocked or Frozen Condensate Pipe

The condensate pipe expels waste water from your boiler by depositing outside the building. In cold weather the pipe can freeze, causing a blockage. This can result in flooding – something you don’t want. Your boiler will try to prevent this by blocking itself out. It’s necessary to unblock the pipe by thawing it out using hot – not boiling – water. You’ll then need to reset the entire boiler again. This can be done safety using a Gas Safe heating engineer.

Faulty Flue

The flue on your boiler can become blocked, causing the f29 error code to appear. Another problem with the flue can be that it’s not installed properly in the first place. In the latter case the flame in your boiler can blow out (especially if it’s a windy day). With a blockage you will get a boiler lock out to prevent further damage. A Gas Safe engineer can repair the faulty flue. You could also ask him or her to insert a flue guard in an attempt to prevent future blockages.

Ignition Electrode Issue

The ignition creates the spark to light the flame for your boiler. Sometimes, when there is a flame failure, this part needs replacing, especially if you’ve had your boiler for a number of years or you’ve previously suffered a leakage in the system.

Broken Components

The fan or pump in Valliant boilers can break after a number of years. A Gas Safety engineer can diagnose, and provide, a replacement part – or even a new boiler.

How to Fix Your Boiler

We wouldn’t advise trying to fix your boiler on your own. Instead, it’s a much better idea to call out a Gas Safe engineer who can both diagnose the problem for you and then fix it. It’s possible to thaw out a frozen condenser pipe but unless you’re confident about doing so and resetting the boiler then again, get out an engineer to be on the safe side. Certainly, you don’t want to make the problem any worse.

Hiring a Professional

If you do have an f29 error message on your boiler then there are a number of places you can look to find a Gas Safe Engineer. These include:

1. The Page

You’ll find a number of expert, trusted, Gas Safe heating and boiler engineers on The Page. Send us an enquiry and we will get back to you with a curated list of vetted tradespeople.

2. Online Directories

There are plenty of online directories on the web where you can see heating engineers listed. Not all heating engineers use these though.

3. Review Sites

You can see testimonials by previous customers on review sites, as well as individual heating engineer websites. However, there’s no way of knowing if these reviews are genuine unless you contact the individuals who left them.

4. Facebook Groups

These are a good way of finding out if your neighbours or those in your town have recommendations for Gas Safe engineers. You’ll probably also find comments on which tradespeople to avoid.

5. Ask Other People

Your work colleagues, friends and neighbours may have had to call out a heating engineer in recent times. If so, they can perhaps recommend someone. That way, at least, you know their experience is genuine.

6. Ask Other Tradespeople

Local tradespeople often work with one another on larger jobs. Either that or they know each other through a local network. It makes sense then to ask an ‘insider’ such as a joiner, builder etc if they can recommend a heating engineer.

7. Trade Associations

Trade Associations have a list of members. In the case of a heating engineer, you could look up the Gas Safe Register to find members near you.